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      Forbes Travel Guide Stories

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      The Sunshine State Celebrates 500 Years
      By Forbes Travel Guide Correspondent Natalie Wearstler

      May 10, 2013

      SB_VIVAFlorida_Credit-TheZimmermanAgency_SouthermostResorts_SalamanderHotelsandResorts

      What’s in a name? Well, for the state of Florida, quite a bit — including a nod to Juan Ponce de Leon, the first recorded European to land on the shores of the subtropical peninsula around April 2, 1513. Taken by the vibrant flowers that peppered the landscape (no doubt a welcome sight for sea-weary eyes) and in honor of the Spanish Easter celebration of Pascua Florida (“feast of flowers”) that coincided with his arrival, Ponce de Leon dubbed the land “La Florida.” The rest, as they say, is history.

      To celebrate the area’s growth since that day, the Florida Department of State has launched Viva Florida 500, an ongoing statewide celebration that runs through 2013. If ever there were a year to skip the theme-park rides in favor of a rare museum exhibit or interactive historic tour, this is it. We’ve compiled a list of three significant Florida cities where you’ll find attractions, landmarks or travel specials to help you make the most of your Viva Florida 500 experience. All you have to do is pack your bags. And don’t forget the sunscreen.

      St. Augustine

      Juan Ponce de Leon may have been the first Spanish settler to grace Florida’s shores, but he certainly wasn’t the last. In 1565, Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles docked his ship to develop what would become the oldest permanently occupied European settlement in the entire nation, thus making St. Augustine the country’s oldest city. While you’re here, explore the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, the historic Castillo de San Marcos fort and marvel at the works of Pablo Picasso at the St. Augustine Visitor Center’s “Art & Arena” exhibit (on display through August 11). In honor of Viva Florida 500, guests at Casa Monica Hotel can enjoy a bevy of citrus-themed amenities through May, such as orange-essence-scented towels, Florida orange lip balm, citrus-laced dishes and fresh juice upon departure. Or, if you don’t mind staying 30 minutes away in Palm Coast, consider Hammock Beach Resort. The luxury hotel’s Viva 500 Package includes two nights’ accommodations and daily breakfast for two for $500. (This special is also available at other Grand Golf Resorts of Florida properties in Orlando and Tampa Bay.)

      Tallahassee

      The capital city is best known for its political happenings and its status as home to the Florida State University Seminoles, but this year, there’s a lot more to discover in Tallahassee. Point your compass (or GPS) toward the Florida Historic Capitol Museum for the “Navigating New Worlds” exhibit, a collection of rare maps that date as far back as 1493. Beef up your local trivia by poring over the Florida State Archives’ special selection of historical records that highlight key moments in the state’s history. And, before you leave, set sail for the Museum of Florida History to take in the “Forever Changed” exhibit, which features a 16th-century Spanish ship display.

      Key West

      It’s easy to understand why notable minds like Harry S. Truman, John James Audubon and Ernest Hemingway found inspiration in Key West — just one sunset over the clear water in Florida’s southernmost city is enough to make even hard-nosed businessmen consider trading in their power suits for bathing suits. The Audubon House Gallery of Natural History, Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum and Truman Little White House (the president’s winter home) are must-visit time capsules that have preserved important parts of the city’s history. If you book the Ocean Key Resort & Spa’s “Old Town Get Down” package, you’ll receive one-day tickets to each attraction along with your accommodations; however, a stay in the Keys also means you’re close to the Forbes Travel Guide Recommended Southernmost on the Beach and the Four-Star La Mer Hotel and Dewey House.

      Photos courtesy of The Zimmerman Agency, Southernmost Resorts, Salamander Hotels and Resorts

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      Audubon House Gallery of Natural History Casa Monica Hotel Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum Florida Hammock Beach Resort Key West La Mer Hotel and Dewey House Ocean Key Resort & Spa’s Southernmost on the Beach St. Augustine Tallahassee Truman Little White House Viva Florida 500
      by Forbes Travel Guide Editor Natalie Wearstler 

      About Forbes Travel Guide Editor Natalie Wearstler

      As an Associate Editor at Forbes Travel Guide, I work with spas, hotels and restaurants to make sure our readers are kept updated on the latest trends. Before coming to Forbes Travel Guide, I was the managing editor of White Publishing Company, covering lifestyle topics for Jacksonville Magazine and its sister titles. I’ve also contributed to GO! The Airtran Magazine and The Florida Times-Union. My nomadic upbringing in a Navy family instilled in me a love for travel that has taken me from mountaintops in Hong Kong to the front row of concerts at the Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival. I daydream about seaside destinations like Greece and Italy, but I’m equally prone to spending an afternoon exploring antique shops in rural small towns or taking in a museum exhibit (and maybe a craft brew or two) in landlocked cities.

      View all posts by Forbes Travel Guide Editor Natalie Wearstler

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